Letter: Improve U.S. energy independence by allowing pipeline

May 9, 2015

As a retired B-1 bomber crew chief of 23 years, stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline. This project would strengthen national security, provide a safer option for transporting oil and produce tax revenue for schools, counties and state government.

I of all people know how important it is for our country not to have to rely on foreign oil. During my tenure, I was deployed overseas three times to fight for our great nation. I have seen firsthand why it is important to use our own domestic oil that is available right here. The proposed pipeline would carry domestic oil from North Dakota to Illinois. This will help make the United States more energy independent, which helps improve our national security.

It has been proven time and again that transporting oil by pipe is far safer than rail or truck. Let’s free up our rails and interstates for transportation of other goods and services that our country cannot get through a pipe.

The proposed pipeline would route through several South Dakota counties and school districts. This path would bring tax benefits to those local governments, school districts and the state.

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As a retired B-1 bomber crew chief of 23 years, stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline. This project would strengthen national security, provide a safer option for transporting oil and produce tax revenue for schools, counties and state government. […]

As a retired B-1 bomber crew chief of 23 years, stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline. This project would strengthen national security, provide a safer option for transporting oil and produce tax revenue for schools, counties and state government. […]

As a retired B-1 bomber crew chief of 23 years, stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline. This project would strengthen national security, provide a safer option for transporting oil and produce tax revenue for schools, counties and state government. […]